Frequently-Asked Questions PAVA Recognized Vocologist (PAVA-RV) Designation (REVISED March 1, 2026) PAVA is a multidisciplinary, member-driven organization comprised of voice professionals from numerous voice-related disciplines including Acting and Speaking Voice Habilitation, Choral Conducting, Laryngology, Manual Therapy and Bodywork, Music Education, Performance, Singing Voice Habilitation, Speech-Language Pathology, Vocal Coaching and Music Directing, Voice Science, and Vocology Research. PAVA serves to bridge these disciplines toward the common goal of understanding all aspects of vocalization. Below are some frequently asked questions to help members better understand the development of the PAVA Recognized Vocologist (PAVA-RV) designation.
1. What is the purpose of PAVA Recognition for Vocologists? The purpose of PAVA Recognition is to acknowledge professional engagement, experience, and knowledge across all Vocology disciplines. 2. What is the process for becoming a PAVA-RV? The PAVA-RV process includes a hybrid application that assesses:
All applicants, regardless of background/education/experience, are required to follow the same process to ensure consistency and integrity of the recognition process.
3. Can anyone become a PAVA-Recognized Vocologist? Much thought and effort has been put into accommodating the numerous, interdisciplinary backgrounds that comprise PAVA membership. In alignment with these efforts, the process of obtaining recognition will be interdisciplinary and open to Full Members of PAVA in good standing.
4. Will PAVA-RV certify me to do therapy/teach singing/be a researcher/etc.? PAVA Recognition is an honorific designation that recognizes professional achievement, knowledge, and training; it is not licensure, certification, or other legally regulated credentials required for professional practice. 5. Is PAVA trying to regulate who can teach voice or provide voice therapy? The intent of PAVA recognition is not to govern or regulate any discipline; rather, our hope is that it will add credibility to our members’ established professional credentials (especially in fields not formally regulated) and encourage multidisciplinary study of all vocology disciplines that can inform members’ established profession. PAVA strives to recognize educational knowledge and experiences in vocology, but does not attempt to regulate anyone's practice.
6. How has PAVA developed the PAVA-RV process? Many PAVA members have been involved in creating the PAVA-RV recognition (see full list below) over several years. PAVA first established the Credentialing/Specialization committee in January, 2016, which was comprised of PAVA members who represent an array of vocology areas. It was charged with establishing standards for a general knowledge-base that is germane to all vocology disciplines and to create a method to assess this body of knowledge. The Credentialing/Specialization committee formed the Standards Selection subcommittee and the Feasibility subcommittee after it deemed that a credential was not possible. Each of those committees completed their charge in May of 2020. The process was completed by the PAVA Implementation Committee, and is currently overseen by the PAVA-RV Committee. The first cohort of PAVA-Recognized Vocologists were honored at the annual Symposium in 2022. 7. How may I apply? We encourage you to explore the related videos and materials on the PAVA-RV tab on the PAVA website. Included is a tab that will take you to the application and fee. You must be logged into the PAVA website with your unique, personal username and password to apply. Below are the names of the PAVA members who were instrumental in creating, implementing, and overseeing PAVA Recognition: Peggy Baroody Ken Bozeman Troy Castle Starr Cookman Joseph Michael Falduti Rachelle Fleming Amanda Flynn Julia Gerhard Marina Gilman Felix Graham Lynn Helding Allen Henderson Anna Hersey Rachel Hirshorn-Johnston Ian Howell Eric Hunter Shayna Isaacs Liz Johnson Aaron Johnson Art Joslin Adam Lloyd Christine Murphy Estes John Nix Katherine Osborne Brittney Redler Ed Reisert Amelia Rollings Bigler Marci Rosenberg Mary Sandage Leda Scearce Christine Schneider Loraine Sims Brad Story Marita Stryker Ingo Titze Rebeca Viales Montero |